The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · Jul 2011
Cardiovascular dysfunction in sepsis and critical illness.
Myocardial dysfunction is commonly encountered in humans, and presumably in dogs with sepsis and critical illness. This dysfunction contributes to increased mortality. ⋯ Clinical findings, proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms, and current treatment considerations are discussed. Further study is needed to find practical ways to identify myocardial dysfunction and to determine whether timed interventions intended to augment cardiac performance will reduce mortality in this patient population.